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Never Rarely Sometimes Always: A movie you should not miss

Talia Ryder (left) and Sidney Flanigan in Never Rarely Sometimes Always

Never Rarely Sometimes Always is a story about Autumn and Skylar's journey from their hometown in rural Pennsylvania to New York, a city where abortion is safe and legal in the US, and the obstacles they face on the way.

From being called a 'slut' by her ex-boyfriend, who got her pregnant, to being forcibly kissed by her store manager, to being flashed at in a subway train in New York, Autumn goes through all these ordeals before undergoing the procedure. Eliza Hittman, the director, leaves no stone unturned in showing the trauma that teenage girls have to endure on a daily basis in America.

While Autumn and Skylar do not speak much, the telepathic understanding between the two is almost magical. The little gestures and the shared glances do much of the job. 

After the 17-year-old Autumn learns about her pregnancy, she decided to get the procedure done in New York. It was a conscious decision as Autumn needed the approval of her parents for abortion in Pennsylvania. Thankfully, she had her cousin Skylar for company. Skylar takes some money from the register at the store, and they both take a bus to New York.  Here too, they had to experience an unwelcome advance from a young boy Jasper, who did come to their rescue at the end, but for a price.

New York was an unfamiliar place, fortunately for most parts, the people they meet were helpful, particularly the ones in the healthcare system. The most devastating scene of the movie is also the quietest. A healthcare professional asks Autumn a series of questions, which she has to answer in four terms - never, rarely, sometimes, always. As Autumn begins to answer these questions, she comes to terms with the things she's buried in the past. 

Autumn, played by Sidney Flanigan, gave a commanding performance on her acting debut in this emotionally intense drama. Talia Ryder, portraying Skylar, too was equal to the task. 

The fact that the film managed to honour the experience of Autumn without sensationalizing it, definitely makes it worth your time. The film is neither rushed nor is it too long. You will feel the pain and root for the two lead characters. It is certainly one of the best movies of the year.



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